By Frank Keogh BBC Sport

Gosden triumphed in 1997

Trainer John Gosden surveys the Epsom Downs and the memories of his greatest victory flood back.

It was a balmy day in 1997, and Gosden's Benny The Dip narrowly held off the surge of fast-finishing Silver Patriarch.

And as Gosden looked back, he recalled how Frankie Dettori so nearly claimed his elusive first victory in the Epsom Derby.

The Italian jockey had been earmarked for the ride, but the Godolphin team who retain him claimed the rider for one of their mounts, and Willie Ryan was granted the shot at glory.

"Frankie got claimed at the last minute to ride quite a long shot," Gosden told the BBC Sport website.

"But afterwards he came straight over, jumped into my arms and gave me a big hug."

Six years on, and the big race at Epsom remains the missing link on Dettori's impressive racing CV.

It's a fulfilling moment - it's there in the record books forever Gosden on winning the Derby

But for Gosden, whose horse Summerland was entered in the 2003 race, there are no such worries after Benny The Dip's close-run victory.

"I thought it would take a lot to keep Benny The Dip out of the first three, although you can't be confident of winning," he said.

"In the end, it was a tight one. He opened up a six-length lead going into the straight.

"Then I saw Silver Patriarch coming, and had already resigned myself to coming second.

"I'd mentally prepared myself to have another try next year. I thought 'He's had a great run and that's life.'"

Gosden has long appreciated the magic of Derby Day - he was assistant to legendary Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien when he sent out Lester Piggott for victory on The Minstrel in 1977.

Derby finishes: Year-by-year

The Minstrel had to be led down to the start through huge crowds, including a noisy collection of gypsies.

As they out cotton wool in the horse's ears to drown out the sound, Piggott was convinced his chance had gone.

But even Piggott could be wrong, and Gosden was soon tasting that unique glow of a Derby winner.

Whether he can repeat the trick this year appears less likely.

Summerland has been well beaten in his two trials, although Gosden is the first to admit his horses will improve as the season progresses.

"For an English trainer, to win your own Derby is a great thing, but you must have a horse with the pedigree, the balance, the mind for the job," he said.

If he can overcome the odds again, then Gosden will fully appreciate the importance of what has been achieved.

"It's a fulfilling moment. Once you've done it, you feel it's there in the record books for ever," he added.